Atletico Madrid take surprise stance on defender wanted by Manchester United and Aston Villa | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid are planning a summer overhaul of Diego Simeone’s squad, with several players having been transfer-listed ahead of the transfer market opening for business in July. The likes of Stefan Savic, Saul Niguez and Memphis Depay are among those that could go, while the same can also be said for Reinildo Mandava.

Reinildo had been a nailed-on starter for Atleti until he tore his ACL in February 2023. He made his return to action in late-December, although he struggled for prominence in the second half of the season, starting just eight matches – this is likely because he made two high-profile errors against Inter Milan and Athletic Club.

With his contract running out in 2025, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Reinildo would be a favourite to be sold this summer, especially with reports from England (via Diario AS) claiming that Manchester United and Aston Villa are interested in the Mozambique defender. However, Atleti actually consider him to be untouchable.

Atletico Madrid are set to lose multiple defenders this summer, including their main option on the left side, that being Mario Hermoso, so in this sense, keeping Reinildo does have some merit. If he can return to the form he showed pre-ACL tear, he could be a crucial player for Simeone next season.